Plural battery system for vehicles



OCL 22, 1963 F. w. GEBHARD 3,108,190

PLURAL BATTERY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES Filed Dec. 25, 1958 s sheets-sheet 1 BY 1M jabm Oct. 22, 1963 F. w. GEBHARD PLURAI.. BATTERY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 23, 1958 Oct. 22, 1963 F. w. GEBHARD 3,108,190

PLURAL BATTERY SYSTEM EoR VEHICLES Filed Dec. 23, 1958 s sheets-sheet 3 6A TTERY Fredenc/f m Gemma 1N VEN TOR.

' BATTE/er 'n .E 1L

United States Patent O 3,108,199 PLURAL BATTERY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES Frederick W. Gebhard, 322 3rd St., West Easton, Pa. Filed Dee. 23, 1958, Ser. No. 782,551 6 Claims. (Cl. 2943-36) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in electrical systems of vehicles, and more `sjjnecitically to a multiple battery system for vehicles.

This invention constitutes an `improvement on my co pending application Serial No. 632,242, filed January 2, 1957, now Patent No. 2,866,907, issued December 30, 1958.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a dual battery system for vehicles which is of such a nature whereby a vehicle may be provided with two lbatteries and the two batteries so connected to the electrical system whereby the two batteries mayI be selectively incorporated in the electrical system to assure the 4availability of one battery lat all times thus eliminating the possibility of a dead battery when it is necessary to start the vehicle.

Another object of ythis invention is to provide -a dual battery system for vehicles, the dual battery system being of a such a nature whereby the individual batteries may be selectively connected into the electrical system `of the vehicle and at the same time is of such a nature whereby as the generator of the vehicles reaches a predetermined charging stage, it will be connected to both of the batteries so as to simultaneously charge the twoy batteries.

Another object of this invention is to provide `a dual battery system for vehicles, the dual battery system being of such a nature whereby the batteries may be selectively incorporated in the electrical system of a vehicle `and when the vehicle is being started, the two batteries may be connected in parallel to facilitate the starting of the vehicle.

Another Iobject of this invention is to provide a dual battery system for vehicles, the dual battery system including means whereby the two batteries may be conected together in parallel with the starter of the vehicle of which they are a part, or may lbe connected together in series when desired for the jump starting of another vehicle of a different voltage whereby two 6-volt batteries may be mounted in a service vehicle and the service vehicle may be used for the purpose of starting vehicles having l2-volt electrical systems.

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple battery system of vehicles, the multiple battery system being of such a nature whereby an individual one ot the batteries may be selectively connected to the electrical system of a vehicle `and lat the same time when the generator of the vehicle has reached a predetermined charging rate, both batteries will be connected to the generator to facilitate charging thereof, the charging circuit for the two batteries incorporating a thermal circuit breaker for protecting the switch of the charging circuit.

A further object of this invention is to provide in conjunction with a dual battery system a third battery, the third battery being so electrically connected to the remainder ot the electrical system of a vehicle whereby it may' be selectively placed in the line in lieu of either of the two original batteries, the third battery also being capable ot being charged when in the electrical system of the Vehicle.

Another object of this invention is to provide a three battery system for use in conjunction with `a .two battery vehicle system, the two battery vehicle system being of such `a nature whereby the two lbatteries are connected together in parallel during the normal opera-tion of the vehicle, while connected together in series during the starting of the vehicle, the third battery being so electri- 3,1%,1 9i) Patented 9ct. 22, 1963 ICC cally connected to the electrical system of the vehicle whereby it may be substituted dor either of the original two batteries in starting.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation `as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and .in which:

FIGURE l is a current `diagram of a simplified [form of the invention and shows the manner in which the two lbatteries may be connected to the electrical system of the vehicle for either alternate use `during the normal operation of the vehicle or for simultaneous use in the starting of the vehicle;

FiGURE 2 is a wiring diagram similar to FIGURE l and shows added thereto an additional circuit for placing the batteries in series when it is desired to jump start another vehicle having an electrical `system where voltage is twice that of the single batteries; and

FGURE 3 is a wiring diagram of a dual battery electrical system of a diesel vehicle which has incorporated therein a third battery and either a cut-in or cut-out solenoid either or both of which will greatly improve the diesel vehicle electrical system.

Referring now to Fi URE l in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated an electrical `system which is referred to 4in general by the reference numeral l0. The electrical system l@ includes a conventional vehicle starter l2 which is grounded by means of a ground wire ld. The electrical system also includes a conventional vehicle generator lo which is grounded by means of `a ground wire lo. T he generator lo also has `a iield terminal 2d and an armature terminal 22. The conventional vehicle `electrical system includes a voltage regulator 24 which has terminals 26, 28 and 3l). The regulator 24 is of the type including an automatic switch for establishing a battery charging connection when the generator voltage -is suicient for battery charging. Connected to the terminal 26 is a wire 32 extending to the field terminal Ztl of the generator 16. A second wire 34 extends between the armature terminal 22 and the terminal 28 of the voltage regulator 24.

The electrical system 10 `also includes a pair of batteries 36 and 38 constituting main and reserve batteries. The batteries 3o and 33 include tirst terminals 40 and second terminals d2. The terminals iii are like terminals, that is they' are both either plus or 'minus and the terminals 42 are like terminals. Terminals it? are grounded by means of ground wire 44.

The electrical system 1) also includes a pair of identical solenoid switches which are referred to in general by the reference numerals to and itil. inasmuch as` the solenoid switches 46 and 43 are identical, only the solenoid switch 46 will be described in detail. The solenoid switch d6 includes a terminal Sil which is carried in insulated relation -by means of a housing 52. The terminal Sil terminates within the housing 52 in the form of a contact 54. Also carried by the housing 52 in opposed relation to the terminal Sil is a terminal Sd which terminates within the housing 32 in a contact 58. The third terminal 6i) is carried by the housing 52 in insulated relation.

Disposed within the housing 52 is a coil 62 which is connected to the terminal di? and whose opposite end is connected to the housing 52, the housing 52 being grounded. Movable relative to the coil 62 is a plunger 64 carrying a contact bridging member 66 which is adapted to bridge the contacts 54 and 58. The contact bridging members 6o is normally payed out of engagement with the contracts 54 and 58 by means of springs 68 and 7d. It is to be noted that the second terminal `42 of the battery 36 is connected to the terminal 50 of the switch 46 by means of a wire 72. A similar wire 74 con-nects the terminal 42 and the battery 38 to the terminal 5d of the switch 43.

The starter 12 has a terminal 76. Connected to the terminal 76 are wires 7S and Si? which are connected to the terminals S6 of the two switches 46 and 415.Y

The electrical system 1t) also includes a battery interchange switch assembly comprising a pair of switches S2 and 84 which are of the single-pole double-throw type and which are so connected together whereby the switches are thrown in unison. The switch 2 includes a centra terminal 36 with a pair of spaced terminals 88 and 91B; The switch S4 includes a central terminal 92. and spaced terminals 94 and 96 which correspond to the terminals 38 and 90, respectively.

The central terminal 66 has connected thereto la wire 98 which is in turn connected to an ammeter 1G13. Connected on the opposite side of the ammeter 16dis a wire 1192 which is in turn connected to `the terminal 36 of voltage regulator Z4 for connection to the accessory circuits. Extending between the wire 1122 and the central terminal 92 is a wire 194. Incorporated in the wire 164 is the usual ignition switch 166 and the usual starter switch S.

Connected to the terminal 8S is a wire 11@I whose opposite end is connected to the terminal Sil of the switch 48. A similar wire 112 is connected to the terminal 9d at one end of the wire 112 and to the terminal 5t) of the switch 46 at the opposite end of the wire 112. Thus it will be seen that the switch 82 'may control the individual charging lof the batteries 36 and 38 as well as the connecting of the batteries 36 and 38 into the electrical system of the vehicle during the normal running thereof after the vehicle has been started.

Connected to the terminal 94 is a wire 114 Whose opposite end is connected -to the terminal 6@ of the switch 48. A similar wire 116 extends between the terminal 60 of the switch 46 Iand the terminal 96. Thus, the switch 84 may be used to select which of the switches 46 and 48 is to :be closed during the starting of the vehicle. When Vit is desired to simultaneously close both the switches 46 and 4S, the switch 84' is bridged by means of a wire 116 which is connected at opposite ends to the terminals 94 and 96 and which is provided intermediate its ends with a pu-shbutton type load starter switch 120.

Although the switch 82 controls the independent charging of the batteries 36 and 38, it is desired that the batteries 36 and 38 be simultaneously charged whenever possible. Accordingly, connected to the terminal 28 of the voltage regulator is a wire 122 whose opposite end is connected to a coil 124 yof a solenoid actuator switch which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 126. The opposite end of the coil 124 is grounded as at 12S. Extending through lthe coil 124 is a plunger 131i` which is used to pull down Ian arm 134. Movable contact 134 will engage a iixed contact 136 of the switch 126. Extending between the movable contact 134 and the terminal Sit of the switch 46 is a wire 136. A similar wire 140 extends between the terminal 5d of the switch 48 and the iixed contact 136. Thus when the electrical output of the generator 16 has reached a predetermined rate, the energization of the coil 124 will be sutiicient to pull down the arm 132 and move the contact 134 into engagement with the contact 136. This will simultaneously connect together the batteries 36 and 33 to the generator 16 for receiving electrical energy therefrom.

In the normal use of the dual battery system 1i), one

of the batteries 36 and 3S will be considered the main 'battery and the other of the batteries will be considered the reserve battery. inasmuch as the two batteries 36 and 38 are so connected to the ygenerator 16 whereby once the output of the generator 16 has reached a predetermined rate, both batteries S6 and 36 will be connected to Y ready for use. Therefore, when the operator of the vehicle either finds it necessary or deems it advisable to utilize the reserve battery, by changing the position oi the switches 82 and d4, the heretofore reserve battery becomes the main battery and the heretofore main battery becomes the reserve battery. In the normal use of the electrical system 1i), only the main battery will be used for the purpose of starting the vehicle. On the other hand, should it be desired to connect both of the vehicle batteries 36 and 3S together parallel for the purpose of starting the vehicle, particularly on a cold morning, then it is merely necessary to additionally close the switch 120. The switch 12d is held closed only during the starting operation. The lswitch is then released and the vehicle continues to operate on a single one of the batteries.

Referring now to FIGURE 2 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a modiied form fof dual lbattery system, which dual battery system is referred to in general by the reference numeral 15d. The dual battery system 151i incorporates all of the components of the dual battery system 10 and has added thereto extra circuits and components. Accordingly, only those circuits and components which are added to the dual battery system 1t) will be described in detail here.

1n the first place, it may be desired to charge both batteries 36 and 38 for only a short period of time. Accordingly, there is incorporated in the wire 14@ a circuit breaker which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 152. The circuit breaker includes a fixed contact 154 and a movable contact 156 which cooperates with the fixed contact 154. The movable contact 156 is carried by a bimetallic arm 158 which is of such a nature whereby when cool, it urges the contact 156 into engagement with contact 154, but when overheated, urges the movable contact 156 out of engagement with the fixed contact 154. Disposed parallel to the arm 1&8 and electrically connected in parallel relation thereto is a heating coil 16). In the electrical circuit of FIGURE 1, the wire 118 extends between the switch 120 and the terminal 94. 1n lieu of the wire 118, there is provided a wire 119 which connects the switch 120 to the terminal 88.

The electrical system 15@ also includes a solenoid actuated switch which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 162. The switch 162 includes an insulated housing 164 which carries a terminal 166 which terminates within the housing 164 as a contact 168. Disposed directly opposite to the contact 168 is a contact 171? which terminates outside of the housing 164 in a terminal 172.

Also carried by the housing 164, but in spaced parallel relation to the contacts 16S and 170 are contacts 174 and 176. The contact 174 terminates exterior of the housing 164 in a terminal 178 and the contact 176 terminates exterior of the housing 164 in a terminal 131B. The housing 164 also carries a terminal 1S2'to which there is connected one end of a coil 184. The opposite end of the coil 134 is grounded as at 186.

The switch 162 also includes a plunger 18S which passes through the coil 1&4. The plunger 183 carries a contact bridging member 19t) which may be used to selectively bridge the contacts 168 and 176 or the contacts 174 and 176. The plunger 166 is normally so urged by means of a spring 192 so that the contact bridging member 191i bridges the contacts 16S and 17 ti. Y

In lieu of the terminal 4t? of the battery 36 being directly grounded, there is connected to the terminal 49 a wire 194 in lieu of the wire 44. Opposite end of the wire 194 is connected to the terminal 166. The terminal 172 is connected to the ground by means of a wire 1%. Thus when the contact bridging member 19) bridges the contacts 16S and 170, the terminal 41B of the battery 36 is grounded in a normal manner.

Extending between the terminals 166 and 17S is a wire 19S. Another wire 211i? has one end connected to the termianl 1S@ and the opposite end thereof connected to the terminal di? of the switch 4S. Thus, when the contact bridging member 190 engages the contacts 174 and 176, the batteries 36 and 38 will be connected together in series.

in order that the coil 184 may be energized to operate the switch 162, there is connected to the terminal 182 a wire 262. The wire 282 has the opposite end thereof connected to the wire 119.

During the normal operation of the dual battery system 150, only one of the batteries 36 and 38 is utilized and is thus considered the main battery. The other of the batteries is maintained in the system and is considered a reserve battery. However, the electrical connections between the generator 16 and the batteries 36 and 38 are such that both the batteries are being charged once the output of the generator 16 has reached the predetermined charging rate. The battery which is maintained in the electrical system as the main battery is determined by the position of the switches 82 and 84.

Should it be desired that the batteries 36 and 38 be connected in series so that 12 volts will be available to the starter 12 for purposes of starting the vehicle engine, it is necessary that the switch 84 be moved to the opposite position from that illustrated in FIGURE 2. Then when the switches 108 and 120 are closed, the batteries 36 and 38 are connected in series and supply the starter 12 with l2-volt current.

1n order that the contacts 134 and 136 of the switch 126 will not be used together in the event the switch 129 is manually held closed after the vehicle engine is started and the generator 16 has begun to produce current at the desired charging rate, the circuit breaker 152 is provided. The ilow of the current through the circuit breaker 152 would be a short circuit acrossthe battery 36 and as a result the heating coil 160 will be heated suiiiciently for the bi-metallic arm 158 to move the contact 156 out of engagement with the contact 154. Thus damage to the switch 126 is prevented.

When it is desired to jump start a Vehicle having a l2- volt electrical system from the vehicle on which the dual battery system 158 is a part, the batteries 36 and 38 may be placed in series to produce this desired voltage. This is accomplished by connecting the jump wires (not shown) to the terminal 42 of the battery 36 and to the terminal 4i) of the battery 38. Then, the load starting switch 128 is closed. When switch 121) is closed, the batteries 36 and 38 are placed in series through the operation of the switch 162. It is to be understood that it is not necessary that the engine of the vehicle of which the dual battery system 151i is a part be operating. However, it is also not necessary that the engine of the vehicle not be operating inasmuch as the generator 16 may be charging during the jump starting operation.

Referring now to FGURE 3 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a multiple battery electrical system for vehicles which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 21tr. rlhe electrical system 21) incorporates a conventional two battery system now used on diesel trucks andthe like, which electrical system has been modified to incorporate an auxiliary or spare third battery.

The conventional diesel electrical system includes a starter 212 and the generator 214. Also the conventional diesel vehicle connectible system includes a first or main battery 216 and a second or reserve battery 218, The manner in which the terminals of the batteries 216 and 218 may be connected will be described with respect to the plus and minus terminals of the batteries. However, it is to be understood that the connections may be reversed, if reversed on both batteries. The battery 216 includes a terminal 228 which is connected to the ground by means of ground wire 222. Battery 216 also includes a negative terminal 224. The battery 218 includes a positive terminal 226 and a negative terminal 228.

The electrical system of the diesel vehicle includes a pair of solenoid switches which are referred to in general by the reference numerals 238i and 232. The solenoid switch 230 includes a housing 234 which carries an upper pair of opposed contacts 236 and 238. The contact 236 extends through the housing 234 and has connected thereto a terminal 240i. The contact 238 also extends through the housing 234 and is connected to a termina-l 242.

The housing 234 carries a third terminal 244 to which there is connected a coil 246, the opposite end of the coil 246 being grounded. Extending through the coil 246 is a plunger 248 which carries a contact bridging member 258 for bridging the contacts 236 and 238. The contact bridging member 250 is normally retained out of engagement with the contacts 236 and i238l by means of a coil spring 2512.

Disposed in the lower part of the housing 234 is a pair of contacts 254 and 256. The contact 254 is connected to the terminal 240 by means of a wire 258. A similar wire 266` connects the contact 256 to the Iterminal 242.

Disposed below the contacts 254 and 256 is an insulated ring 2.62 which carries a pair of contacts 264 and 266. The contacts 264 projects upwardly from the insulated ring 262 and normally engages the contact 254. The contact 266 extends both upwardly and downwardly from the insulated ring 262 and normally engages the contact 256.

Extending through the insulated ring 262 and connected to the contact 264 is a wire 268. The wire 2.68 has the opposite end thereof connected to a terminal 278 carried by the housing 234. Also extending through the insulated ring 262 but connected to the Contact 266 is a wire 272 which is connected to a terminal 274 carried by the hous ling 234. Another contact 276 is carried by the housing 234 in alignment with the Contact 266 and is engaged by the contact 266 with the insulated ring 262 moved downwardly. The contact 276 is connected to a terminal 27 8 which projects beyond the housing 234.

Disposed within the housing 234 for engagement with the insulated ring 262 is an actuating member 286 which is engageable by an extension 282 of the plunger 248 to move the insulated ring 262 downwardly when the contact bridging member 258 is moved downwmdly.

The solenoid switch 232 includes a housing 284 which carries a pair of opposed contacts 286 and 288. The contact 286 is connected to a terminal 296 which projects beyond the housing 284. The contact 2818 is also connected to a `terminal 292 which projects beyond the housing. The housing 284 carries a further terminal 294.

Disposed within the housing 284 is a coil 296 which is connected to 'the terminals 290 and 294. Extending through the coil 296 is a plunger 298 which carries a contact bridging member 300 which is normally disposed out of engagement with contacts 286 and 288, but which bridges the contacts when the coil 296 is energized.

The starter 212 is provided with a pair of yterminals 382 and 304. Extending from the terminal 382 to the terminal 292 is a wire 386. Extending from the terminal 384 are wires 3818, 318 and 312. The wire 388 is connected to the terminal 2%, the wire 311i is connected to the ter-- minal 2178 and the wire 312 is connected to the terminal 228 of the battery 218.

The terminal 226 of the battery 218 is connected to the terminal 242 by means of a wire 314. Connected to the terminal 246 is a wire 316 which is in turn connected to a terminal 318 of an ammeter 320. The ammeter 328 has its second terminal 3122 to which there is connected a wire 324. Disposed within the wire 324 is a fuse 326, a control switch 328 and a starter switch 338. The opposite end of wire 324 is connected to the terminal 244.

The generator 214 is grounded as at 332. The generator 214 also includes terminals 334 and 336. incorporated in the electrical system is a voltage regulator 338 having terminals 346, 342 and 344. Extending between the terminals 336 and 340 is a wire 346 which connects the iield of the generator 214 to the voltage regulator 348. Extending between the terminals 334 and 342 is to the l 343- which connects the armature of thefgenerator voltage regulator '338. The terminal 344 is the so-called battery terminaland has connected thereto a wire whose opposite end is connected to the terminal or" the ammetter 326.

The electrical system of the diesel vehicle also includes a second ammeter 352 which has a pair of terminals 354 and 356. The terminal 356 is connected to ground by means of the ground wire 35%. Extending between the terminal 354 and the terminal 274 or the solenoid switch is a wire 364i. Electrical system also includes a wire 362 ywhich extends between the terminals 273 and 294. Furthermore, the terminal 224 of the battery 216 is normally connected to the terminal 246 by switch 452.

When the original electrical system or" the diesel vehicle is in the position illustrated, it will be readily apparent 'that the batteries 216 and 2lb are disposed in parallel. However, when the starter switch 330 is closed, the switch having been closed, the solenoid 236 is actuated so as to bridge the contacts 236 and 238 placing the batteries 216 and in series for starting purposes. Furthermore, actuation 01"' the Vsolenoid switch 234B` results in the energization of the coil 296 and the resultant actuation of the solenoid switch 232 which is necessary to energize the starter 212.

The original electrical system of the diesel Vehicle has been modiiied to incorporate a third or spare battery 364 having a negative terminal 366 and a positive terminal 363. Also, there are provided three solenoid -switches which are referred to by the reference numerals 370, 372and 374.

The solenoid switch 376 includes a housing 376 in which there is mounted in opposed relation an upper pair of contacts 378 and 318i?. The contact 373 is conneoted to a terminal 362 while the contact SSl is connected to a terminal 364.

Disposed below the contacts 37S and 33t) are contacts 366 and 36S. The contact 366 has connected thereto a terminal 39h and connected to the contact 368 is a terminal 392. rthe housing 2576 also carries a pair of terminals 394 and 396.

Disposed within the housing 376 is a coil 393 which extends between the terminals 394 and 396. Passing through the coil 39d is a plunger 496 which carries la contact bridging member 462. The contact bridging member is normally retained in engagement with contacts 378 and 31S@ by means of a spring 464. However, when the coil 398 is energized, the contact bridging member 492 will move downwardly and bridge the contacts 336 and 388.

The solenoid switch 572 includes a housing 496 in which there is mounted a pair of opposed contacts 403 and 426. The contact 4% has connected'thereto a terminal 412 whereas the contact 4l@ has connected thereto a terminal 4l4. Also carried by the housing 466 is a pair of terminals 416 and 41S.

Disposed within the housing 466 is a coil 42) which is connected to the terminals `416 and 418. Passing through the coil 42h is a plunger 422 which carries a contact bridging member 424. The cont-act bridging member 424 is normally retained out of engagement with the contacts l46S and 4l@ by means of a spring 426. However, when the coil 42h is energized, the contact bridging member 424 will be pulled into engagement with the contacts -4lti and 468.

The solenoid switch 374 includes a fixed contact 423 yand a movable Contact 43), the contact 43! being carried lby ian arm 432. Associated with the arm 432 is `a plunger 434 which passes through a coilY 436. Also associatad with the plunger 434 is a holding coil 438- which has one end thereof connected to the contact `428. The opposite end of the coil `4358 has connected thereto a wire 440 which is in turn connected to a xed Contact 442 of a circuit breaker 444 which is of the thermal type. fille Circuit breaker 444 ,includes a bimetallic arm 446 a wire which carries a movable contact 448. The bimetallic arm 446 is of such a nature whereby the contact 448 is normally in engagement with the contact 442. However, 'associated with the bimetallic arm 446 is a heating coil 450 which after a predetermined period of time suiiiciently heats the bimetallic arm 446 so as fto move the contact 448 out of engagement with the contact 442. It is to be understood that the heating coil 450' is connected in parrallel with the arm 446.

There is also provided a single-pole double-throw battery selector switch 452. The switch 452 includes a central terminal 454 and a pair of terminals 456 .and 458. Extending from the terminal 456 and the arm 446, which is :electrically connected to the contact 448, is a wire 4601. Also connected to the terminal 456 is a wire 462 which is connected tto the terminal 224 of the battery 216. EX- tending between the terminal 458 and the contact 430 is la wire 464. A wire 466 extends from the terminal 458 to the terminal 366 of the battery 364. The terminal 454 is connected to the terminal 240 by means of a wire 468.

The terminal 384 is grounded by means of a ground wire 47d. The Iterminal 396 is connected to the terminal 382 by means of a wire 472. The terminal 390 is also connected to the terminal 368 of the battery 364 by a wire 474. The terminal 392 is connected to the terminal 226 of the |battery 218 by means of a wire 476. Also, the terminal 394 is connected to the terminal 368 of the battery 364'by a wire 478 in which there is incorporated a push-button switch 430.

Referring now to solenoid switch 372, it will be seen that the terminal 412 thereof is connected to the terminal 366 of `the battery 364 by means of a wire 432. Also, the terminal 412 is connected to the terminal 416 by means of a Wire 484. The terminal 416 -is in turn connected to the terminal 396 by a wire 486 and the terminal 418 is connected to the terminal 394 'by a wire 488. The terminal 414 is connected to the terminal 228 of the battery 218 by means of a |wire 490.

lFrom the foregoing, it will be seen that by operating the battery selector switch 452, the battery 364 may be selectively placed in the original electrical system of the diesel vehicle in lieu of the Ibattery 216. Furthermore, when the generator is charging above a predetermined rate, the batt-ery 364 is being charged irrespective of whether or not it is in the original electrical system. It should be noted that if the battery 364 is selectively used as the main battery in lieu of the battery 216, then the battery 216 will be the spare battery, as long as the battery selector switch is in the proper position, and the battery 216 will take a charge from the generator each time the engine is speeded up suiiciently, but will not be subject to discharge when the engine speed is at the idling speed. Thus the battery 216 can be kept fully charged as a spare and either the battery 216 or the battery 364 acts Ias amain or spare battery relative to each other. Also, from the foregoing it should be noted that by pressing the switch 4S@ simultaneously with the starter button 330, the battery 364 can be placed in parallel with a possible defective fbattery 218, and thus the two batteries 218 and 364, being parallel with one another, would be placed in series with the battery 216 in starting the diesel vehicle. In this manner the battery 364 may function as a spare for the Ibattery 218.

In View of the foregoing, it Vwi-ll be readily apparent that there have been devised several multiple battery electrical systems which are of such a nature whereby a yspare battery `is provided for a vehicle electrical system at all times. Also, it 4will be readily apparent that the spare battery is being charged, together with the other batteries, although it does not form an actual part of the electrical system.

ln the original electrical system `of the diesel vehicle the batteries 216 `and 213 are normally connected in parallel both for charging purposes and for supplying electricity to the accessories of the vehicles, such as light, etc. Gn the other hand, when it is desired to start the diesel vehicle, as set forth above, the batteries 21o and 21S are disposed in series to produce 24 volts tor the starter motor 212. This system has one major deficiency in that the batteries 216 and 218 .are connected together at all `times except when they are disposed in series for the starting of the diesel engine. As a result, when one of the batteries 216 and 218 is defective, for example, having a bad cell, this battery places a drain on the other battery until both batteries become defective. ln order to eliminate this, it is proposed to mount in the original electrical system of the vehicle a solenoid controlled switch which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 492i. The switch 492 is mounted in the Wire 31@ with `the intermediate portions of the Iwire 31% being connected to contacts 494 and 496 of the switch 492. The contact 496 is fixed ywhereas the contact 494 is mov* able, the contact 494 being carried by a pivctally mounted arm 498 which is directly connected to a portion of the wire `310.

Acting upon the wire 498 is an electromagnetic device 500 which includes a coil having one `end thereof connected to a wire 592 whose opposite end is connected to the terminal 342 o-f the voltage regulator 338. The other end of the coil 500l is grounded.

The solenoid control switch y492 normally open with the result that the battery 218 is no longer connected to the battery `216, the battery 218 being solely a spare battery. `On the other hand, when the generator 214 is generating at a prescribed rate, the electromagnetic device 500 is enengized with the result that the contact 494 is moved into engagement with the contact 496 which then completes the charging circuit to the battery 218. From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that the incorporation ot the switc'h `492 in the wire 310 will permit the spare battery 218 to be charged in the normal manner and at the same time normally disconnects the i battery 218 trom the battery 216 so that when one of the two batteries 216 and 218 becomes defective the other will not have a continuous drain thereon from.= the defective battery. At this time it is pointed out that the switch 492 may be used separately or in combination with the spare battery 364 and the electrical circuit therefor.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only ot the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modicatons and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A plural battery system for vehicles having a generator and a starter, including a pair of batteries and an electrical circuit connecting said .battenies to said generator and said starter, each of said batteries having rst and second terminals, first means electrically connecting said irst terminals to said starter and said generator, and second means for selectively separately connecting said second terminals to said starter and said generator respectively, said second means including separate circuits between said second terminals and said starter, each of l0 said separate circuits including a circuit completing switch, and battery interchange means tor 4opening one of said circuit completing switches simultaneously with the closing of the other of said circuit completing switch.

2. The combination of claim 1, inclnding circuit bridging means operatively connected Ato said battery interchange means for simultaneously closing both ot said circuit completing switches to simultaneously electrically connect said batteries to said starter.

3. The combination of claim 2, including separate combined charging and power circuits connecting said batteries to said generator, said battery interchange means including a multiple switch, said multiple switch having a switch part controlling the completion of individual ones of said lcombined charging and power circuits.

4. The combinatrion of claim 3, including generator output means for electrically interconnecting said combined charging and power circuit whereby both `oi said batteries may be simultaneously charged.

5. Tite combination of claim 4, including bridging circuit means operatively connected said battcry interchange means for simultaneously closing bot-h of said circuit completing switches to simultaneously electrically connect said batteries to said starter.

6. A standby battery system for an electrical control circuit having a voltage regulated generator and a starter motor, comprising, a main battery and a reserve battery, generator otitput responsive means operatively connected to the generator for connecting the main and reserve batteries in parallel to the generator duiring chargin a main relay starter circuit operative to connect the main battery alone to the starter, a reserve relay starter oircuit operative to connect the reserve battery alone to the starter, interchange switch means operative in one position to connect the main battery to an accessory circuit and operatively condition the main relay circuit Ifor operation and operative in a second position to connect the reserve battery to said accessory circuit and operatively condition the reserve relay circuit for operation, starter switch means operatively `connected to the interchange switch means for operating that starter relay circuit tha-t is operatively conditioned by the interchange switch means, and load starting switch means operatively connected tothe interchange switch means to interconnect the main and reserve batteries for operating the other relay circuit.

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1. A PLURAL BATTERY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES HAVING A GENERATOR AND A STARTER, INCLUDING A PAIROF BATTERIES AND AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONNECTING SAID BATTERIES TO SAID GENERATOR AND SAID STARTER, EACH OF SAID BATTERIES HAVING FIRST AND SECOND TERMINALS, FIRST MEANS ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING SAID FIRST TERMINALS TO SAID STARTER AND SAID GENERATOR, AND SECOND MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY SEPARATELY CONNECTING SAID SECOND TERMINALS TO SAID STARTER AND SAID GENERATOR RESPECTIVELY, SAID SECOND MEANS INCLUDING SEPARATE CIRCUITS BETWEEN SAID SECOND TERMINALS AND SAID STARTER, EACH OF SAID SEPARATE CIRCUITS INCLUDING A CIRCUIT COMPLETING SWITCH, AND BATTERY INTERCHANGE MEANS FOAR OPENING ONE OF SAID CIRCUIT COMPLETING SWITCHES SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE CLOSING OF THE OTHER OF SAID CIRCUIT COMPLETING SWITCH. 